Even as we face divine judgment on the high holy days, it's hard not to think about the worldwide monetary melt-down and the carnage of corporations that we thought were invincible. After all, it's not just our lives that stand in the balance when God makes his decisions about our future. As the deeply moving prayer of Rabbi Amnon, Unetane Tokef, puts it, these are the days when both our fate and our fortune for the coming year are sealed: "Who will live and who will die, who will become impoverished and who will become wealthy."
The Hebrew word "Damim," the rabbis tell us, means not only blood, but also money. A strange combination at first sight, but one filled with profound insight. Judaism does not denigrate the importance of money. It is not the root of all evil; it is morally neutral. Just as it can be misused for improper purposes it can also serve to ennoble our lives and the lives of others. We are permitted to pray for wealth, just as our forefathers did. The Kohanim, the priests who are commanded to bless the Jewish people, are told to keep financial security in mind as they lift their hands for their benediction. Money is the fruit of our efforts, earned with the aid of our blood and our toil. And it is as much the concern of divine Providence as our lifespan.
So if God is involved with our portfolio, we have to wonder why He has allowed us to suffer so much this past year?
Neither Barron's nor Fortune nor Forbes had any idea that these bastions of financial strength would soon collapse into bankruptcy or federal takeover.
If only we could have had a window into the future we would have been spared the incredible turnabouts of the stock market. Even the most wizened professionals say they have never seen anything like it. In January of this year Barron's magazine advised its readers to concentrate purchases from its list of most secure and risk-free companies. At the very top of their suggestions for best performers for the coming year were Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, Fannie Mae and AIG. But of course neither Barron's nor Fortune nor Forbes had any idea that these pillars of capitalism, these bastions of financial strength, would soon collapse into bankruptcy or federal takeover. So today many of last year's billionaires have to sadly confront the fact that they are now only millionaires -- and the rest of us have to deal with the reality of rapidly sinking retirement funds, plunging real estate values and panicking margin calls.
Strangely enough we have very conflicting views about God's role in all of this. The Austrian playwright Arthur Schnitzler pointedly observed, "We know of some very religious people who came to doubt God when a great misfortune befell them, even when they themselves were to blame for it; but we have never yet seen anyone who lost his faith because an undeserved fortune fell to his lot." We attribute success to our own efforts. We call catastrophes acts of God. When we "make it," we thank ourselves. When we lose it, we blame an unjust Heavenly Ruler.
People of faith, however, have to acknowledge that both good and bad fortune in the final analysis simply represent the will of God. Good times are blessings from a Higher Power. Tough times are divine decrees with a message and meaning all of their own. And that is what we should be thinking about as we contemplate our diminishing bank accounts.
Let's take a cue from a remarkable observation by James Dale Davidson and Sir William Rees-Mogg, financial advisers and authors of Blood in the Streets, who were intrigued by an aspect of timing apparent in economic cycles:
"Even more mysterious is the strange tendency for major crashes to occur in the autumn, especially in October. For example, September 18, 1873; October 29, 1929; October 6, 1932; October 18, 1937; October 19, 1987; and October 13, 1989. Each of these dramatic results, among the largest drops ever recorded, occurred in the fall. The old view would be to argue that this is only coincidence, which of course is possible. Most likely some factor we do not now understand increases the vulnerability to selloffs in the fall."
To which of course we might add the events of this September which are so reminiscent of another doomsday scenario.
Dare I perhaps suggest that this mysterious phenomenon is due in no small measure to the fact that this time period invariably coincides with the days when mankind is weighed on the scale of Heavenly Judgment? It is not coincidence that rules our fate but divine fiat, the result of a process finalized not "in the fall" but more accurately in the awesome days leading up to Rosh Hashana and the Day of Atonement.
It is during this time that God has to impress upon us the need to clearly define our values.
It is during this time that God has to impress upon us the need to clearly define our values. In Jewish tradition there is a saying that during our lifetimes we have three main friends -- and when we die they leave us in exactly the reverse order in which we treated them. No sooner does our soul leave our body than all of our wealth flees with it as well. Families are more faithful. They walk with us after our passing to the cemetery, our final resting place. Then, they too leave us to go on with their lives. It is only our name, the good deeds we performed for others, and the influence we may have had upon them, that outlive us and offer us a share of immortality.
Strange then, isn't it, that we spend most of our lives chasing after money, spending far less of our time than we should with our families, and spending so little of our efforts to accomplish those things by which will be remembered.
Maybe, after all, making a fortune isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Maybe we can even identify with the profound words of Emile Gauvreay: "I was part of that strange race of people aptly described as spending their lives doing things they detest to make money they don't want to buy things they don't need to impress people they dislike."
It is an insight that needs to be constantly repeated. No wonder then that God incorporated it into the Bible by way of a fascinating law regulating the ancient agrarian economy. Six years farmers were permitted to work their fields, to gather in their crops, and to add to their wealth. Every seventh year however was known as the year of Shmittah. Land could not be tilled. Everyone could equally and freely share in its produce. The economic rat race was suspended and all people were urged to spend a year as a sabbatical -- studying and pursuing their spiritual growth even as for six years they emphasized the material. And most important of all they were to acknowledge that no man could really own the land. As mortal residents on earth we are all only temporary managers of God's gifts, recipients of His financial blessings and always aware of the true source of everything that we have been privileged to accumulate.
What a powerful and needed lesson the Torah meant every seventh year to be! Would it surprise you to learn that economists have noticed a symmetry between this biblical seven-year lesson and the almost perfect seven-year boom to bust cycles? In 1999, Warren Buffett, a financial genius widely considered to be America's greatest investor, took the liberty of linking Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams with the movements of the Dow Jones at the close of the 20th century. Fat cow are swallowed up by lean cows, years of plenty invariably have famine follow in their wake. Bubbles of any kind are unsustainable and burst -- be they prime rate mortgages, million-dollar condos or "risk free" investment house stocks.
Without these corrections we would never be forced to recognize the realities of our lives. Greed would transform us from servants of God to slaves of our possessions. We would perhaps never re-orient ourselves to the proper balance between the spiritual and the material in the conduct of our lives.
It shouldn't surprise you then that the technology and Internet bubble burst in 2001 just happened to be a Shmittah year. And as we bid farewell to yet another tumultuous financial year, it's important to remember that 5768-2007/8 was yet again a Shmittah year. That's why we almost assuredly have to understand these trying times as God's voice attempting to again teach us the lessons of the biblical sabbatical in contemporary terms.
And finally let us find comfort in knowing that God will surely heap His abundant blessings upon us if we only learn to use them with dignity, with morality and with spiritual sensitivity.
(22) BG, November 4, 2010 8:31 AM
Getting it Right-with G-d and the World
Let's do some fund raising to have this article printed in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Financial World, and in the USA Today. I'll be more than glad to contribute money for this much needed effort. Very powerful, Rabbi Blech. Thank You for the reminder in the here-an-now. BG
Catrina, September 6, 2015 9:49 PM
GREAT Idea
What a good idea !!
(21) jim s, November 4, 2010 8:31 AM
Mistaking Effect with Cause
With all due respect, the Forbes, Baron's, blame of Wall Steet comments - deflect the underlying cause: the failure to have skin in the game - the half shekel Without skin in the game - the half shekel - no money down or very little down - there is no buy in and walk away is easy. While pointing fingers at Wall Street (I have nothing to do with Wall Street) we forget assume these mortgagees were but innocent victims. Furthermore, the Rabbi ignores the policy of further encouraging no or little money down (no half shekel) by certain Democrat politicians & their benefactors at Fannie Mae (changing the 20% down to 3% down or less in the name of the laudable goal of increasing home ownership) Did Wall Street prey on the problem - yes, absolutely - but they are an effect. Did the SEC allow Wall Street to increase it's leverage thereafter from 12 times to up to 30 times - no doubt. But when looking at fundamental causes - it goes to the half shekel. And please, do not say the half shekel was merely for census as there is other Rabbinical interpretations (where there is a Rabbinical will there is a Halacha way?) stating otherwise - as I have been told...
(20) Anonymous, November 4, 2010 8:30 AM
Very encouraging
My Jewish heritage was only discovered as an adult. My yearning to learn about Jewish customs and wisdom has only the internet as a source of teachings and a Christian isn't welcome in Jewish circles, no matter how innocent the intent. Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom, it provides such illumination of the ways of our Creator. Blessings from Phoenix, AZ USA
sharon, November 4, 2013 2:21 AM
converts
Someone in the process of conversion is welcome in jewish circles. I have seen many. They converted and were more integrated than I was....a daughter of a sabra and a holocaust survivor
(19) henry jacobs MD JD, November 4, 2010 8:29 AM
don't ask G-d for $$, be grateful for life
I never ask G-d for $$. It is a poor metric of a life's worth. I have talked to him about health for me and for my loved ones. Perhaps he has a great deal to do other than my issues. Money is not the measure of a life. Kindness, charity, grace and being non-judgmental are so much more valuable.
(18) Anna, November 4, 2010 8:29 AM
Lessons from God
Excellent article..I HAVE NOTICED FALL or AUTUMN as Crash$$ months
(17) Don, September 30, 2008 9:17 PM
re: "In G-d we trust" comments
To Daniela: Take a look at the new quarters and dollar coins. They've taken "In G-d we trust" off the front of the coins and written it on the sides where you can barely read it, so maybe the next time the print them you won't even notice when it's taken off...Shalom
(16) Daniela, September 26, 2008 11:22 AM
To C. Kranz
Unless you're talking about brand new money that hasn't been printed yet, I just looked at all the bills in my cash register, all the newest bills, and they all say on the back "In God We Trust". Maybe I'm missing something ?
(15) Terr Bear, September 24, 2008 7:07 PM
Maybe we need this?
My parents spent most of my childhood always afraid of the idea of us, their children, going through a depression. Funny how time changes things because shortly before my mother passed away, she told me that she thinks our country may need a depression. She thought a depression would snap us back to reality and maybe we would spend our time and energy on the people and things that really matter. God knows, it sure isn't all about the money.
(14) Anonymous, September 24, 2008 6:01 PM
Golden Oldie
Stock market advice once received, which may explain this phenomenon: "Sell on Yom Kippur."
(13) C. Kranz, September 23, 2008 10:48 PM
From your children you shall learn
My children (ages 11-16)had but one comment when they heard about the economic downfall. "As soon as America decided to take the words 'In G-d We Trust' off the American currency, this happened." G-d made sure we'd remember him, and now everyone is saying, "Oh G-d, what am I going to do now?" or "Please G-d, don't let me loose my savings." or .... well you get the idea. Now when Rosh Hashana comes, we should all recognize Hashem as our G-d and really mean when we pray that, 'In G-d We Trust'!
(12) Anonymous, September 23, 2008 12:21 PM
Wall Street and Rosh Hashanah
kudos to Rabbi Blech. his astute remarks are timely and wise. indeed, instead of turning inwards, let's regain focus and balance in our lives and seek to help others in worse or similar distress.
(11) steven, September 23, 2008 2:46 AM
how do feel of what you see. how would you feel if that was thee. kindness its addictive you'll see.bless you and me
(10) Manasseh Mankuleiyo, September 22, 2008 6:29 PM
Part of that strange race of people
Rabbi, Your words makes one do a deeper personal reasearch as to what really matters at the end of the day, rather when the dust settles The question is does money own man or does man own money and most importantly where does G-d fit in this equation That is the million dollar question. Toda Rabbi
(9) Daniela, September 22, 2008 9:34 AM
I don't know...
Isn't it just as easy to say that if bad occurrences were the wake up calls you describe, that they should occur after Rosh Hashana and not before ? Shouldn't they be seen as punishment ? If they are in consequence to our actions as a nation, why wait until the end of the year ?
(8) Charnie, September 22, 2008 7:40 AM
I agree with the Rabbi
Many times I''ve seen Jews react as if we''re the same as Monks, taking oaths of poverty. It should be remembered that the bigger mitzvah is to give tzedakah, as opposed to receive, if necessary. There is no conflict with a Jew having a good livelihood, the issue is only in how he uses it. In fact, it is up to us to employ our capabilities in order to earn a living - not to sit under a tree and say "God will provide".
May the coming year be bountiful for K''al Yisrael.
(7) bernie siegel, September 21, 2008 6:50 PM
we are the problem and the solution
when we are ready for perfection it will occur but until then we must deal with creation and its imperfections, there are times we need to give birth to a new life and it is not god punishing us or doing nothing but standing back because we are full term and not in premature labor and therefore need to act and create a new life and world. as the baal shem tov said, i wish i were god his student's respone, oh you would change things no but i would understand why if you lose your car keys do you look for them or know god wants you to walk home. so when you lose something be it health or wealth look fdor ways to restore it to yourself or your neighbor.
(6) Rosen, September 21, 2008 6:14 PM
do we really need billions, or just a few thousand a year?
While being either a billionaire or millionaire can be more than flattering, the question is, what do we need all the money for? People who earn a modest living with a few thousand dollars a year may be more down to earth because they can probably emphasize more with those less fortunate than them. For those earning millions or billions of dollars per year, it is sad that not everyone of them makes a good philanthropist. Since money generally doesn't make one happy, it's G-d's will of telling us that what we make is not as important as how much we have given back to those less fortunate than us, preferably 10% of our net income. As for Wall Street, it seems pretty useless at this point since there is so much greed and corruption, and it isn't even worth buying nor selling stocks. Sometimes times like these can be a wake up call on how there are more important things than money, such as the time spent with those important to us.
Rachel, August 28, 2015 1:59 AM
Bills have to be paid wiht money!
One of the great things about having lots of money is that one has the opportunity to do a lot of good with it, incuding endowing scholarships, building hospital wings, building new schools, and helping relatives in need. You can do a whole lot more of that with a $1.8 million donation than with $18. Even spending it on luxuries gives employment to the providers of luxuries - restaurants, spas, yachts, cruise ships. Don't overlook that rich people generally INVEST their money and that provides jobs for those businesses. Did you ever get hired by a poor person?
(5) Chaya, September 21, 2008 2:19 PM
Rosh Hashana Message from Wall Street
JEWS: LET'S NOT SELL OURSELVES SHORT!
(4) jack, September 21, 2008 10:29 AM
wall street
Joe so what the companies are bankrupt..people lost millions overnight
(3) stuart, September 21, 2008 8:50 AM
Ascribing current events to the will of G-d is a very dangerous business. It suggests that the author thinks he knows the will of G-d. I have heard various religious leaders of many faiths make similar claims of such insight and knowledge. Their insight fails almost all of the time.
Perhaps it would be more useful for the rabbi to be a rebbi and try and teach how to become closer to G-d. While this path is not as sexy as tying the avarice of man to divine will, it would give regular ole’ Jews like me the foundation of how to behave like Jew according to G-d''s intention.
Along the same lines: Does the rabbi have any feelings on G-d''s wishes concerning the next Super Bowl. Any correlations to the shmittah year with AFC versus NFC victory?
(2) S Ehrlich, September 21, 2008 7:39 AM
Rabbi Blech''s wisdom is such a gift to us. Lets just listen in to what he has to say. I love all his books and articles. Shana Tova
(1) joe, September 21, 2008 3:27 AM
Last week on Wall Street
Thursday and Friday were the largest 2 day gains in over 20 years.